"Theres bunches of CD's that show a side of Elvis doing Country music or gospel music. But There is not a lot to show the Rhythm and Blues side of Elvis. I think this CD has great picks of songs and shows how cool elvis was and still is. The CD starts off with 3 Sun records songs. You have the Milestone/recently received Gold Records "Good Rockin' Tonight" and "That's All Right". A cool Rockabilly song call "Baby lets play House". There are songs on here that Elvis love so much that he sang these songs live almost all the time during his concerts in the 70's. The songs that he sung in concert were "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", "Mystery Train", "I got a women", "Trying to get to you", and "Big Boss Man". "Stranger In My Home Town" was recorded in Memphis in 1969. That session showed the world that Elvis still got what it takes. "Pledging My Love" was recorded in 1976. The was recorded the year before he die. My only wish for this CD is for a volume two. Elvis R&B is cool CD to own."
Essential Elvis Compilation
Danno | NY, NY | 10/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There have been Elvis Greatest Hits collections for decades, but the recent 2006 CDs (six so far) are probably the best thought-out Elvis anthologies in a very long while. Each volume focuses on a different aspect of Elvis' style - this one concentrates exclusively on his r&b roots.
About half this material goes back to the very earliest Elvis recordings on Sun records and it's here that we are treated to vintage performances by Elvis as he establishes himself as one of the most important rock singers of the 1950s and beyond. It's neat listening to this music as it sounds so crisp and clear, which is a surprise considering how awful it sounded in earlier compliations. Of course, even though who don't like Elvis acknowledge that these are his most exciting recordings. That's why the second half of the CD is so surprising. It includes mostly songs recorded by Elvis during the 1960s during the period that is his supposed decline. While I can't argue that most Elvis LPs from the 1960s are worthwhile, all of them contain some great cuts. For me, it was a real treat to hear how vital Elvis still sounded even though he'd been eclipsed by other, younger rock stars.
If you want to understand why Elvis shook up the world of music, this CD is a great place to start. I bought it because I simply wanted to have so many of these great songs in a single place. If you love classic r&b, blues, or rockabilly you really ought to have this CD."
His BEST new release!
A Fan | VA | 08/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this may be the best of the current crop of theme-based, Elvis compilations! Elvis had a grift for R&B and he shines on this collection. While much of it is taken from his early days at Sun Records, it also includes some of his later works. My favorites include Baby, Let's Play House, I Got a Woman, When It Rains, It Really Pours, and the classic Trying to Get to You. A great collection!
"
The King: Down and Dirty
Elvis lives in Levi's | Lost Angels, Baby. | 07/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the good fortune to rent the '68 special, and purchased this disc as a result. I grew up below the Mason-Dixson line, but have never really warmed to R&B until the tracks on the '68 special. This disc has the gems from the special in all their gritty glory, with plenty more treasures to break your heart to pieces. It's love, Baby."
Great Music ,Great Sound!
BE KIND TO ANIMALS | 06/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of these songs are over 50 years old but sound just amazing. Oh Boy,the world of popular music suffered when Elvis Presley died. His music went beyond just singing and playing.There is an underlying magic in nearly eveything he did. (except a couple of movie tracks!).
Dont hesitate to pick up a copy of this cd.It will make you happy."